You can turn pennies gold at home by heating them to create a brass alloy on the surface, giving them a golden appearance. Here's how:
The "Gold" Penny Experiment
This process involves creating a thin layer of brass on the penny's surface, which looks gold.
Materials You'll Need:
- A US penny (made after 1982, as they are zinc-cored with a copper plating)
- A hot plate
- Tongs
- Safety glasses
- Optional: Silver Plating Solution (zinc chloride solution)
Steps:
- Prepare the Penny (Optional): If using the optional silver plating solution, clean the penny thoroughly and then place it in the solution. This will coat the penny with a layer of zinc.
- Heating the Penny: Place the penny (silver-plated or unplated, depending on if you are using the optional solution) on the hot plate.
- Set the Temperature: Heat the hot plate to approximately 570°F (300°C).
- Observe the Color Change: Watch the penny carefully. As it heats, the zinc and copper will diffuse together to form a brass alloy on the surface. This will give the penny a golden color.
- Remove and Cool: Once the penny has turned a uniform gold color, use tongs to carefully remove it from the hot plate. Let it cool completely before handling.
Explanation:
The heat causes the zinc and copper atoms to mix, forming brass. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and its color is yellowish-gold, giving the penny its "golden" appearance.
Important Safety Note:
- Always wear safety glasses when working with heat.
- Use tongs to handle the hot penny.
- Ensure proper ventilation in the work area.
This method doesn't actually turn the penny into solid gold. It creates a thin layer of brass, which gives the illusion of gold.
